From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Recurring mechanical issues including engine, clutch, brake, and valve problems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\1\ scan0066 | |
| Date | 18th September 1933 guessed | |
| - ? - Engine Gear Rattles. C. is aware that this matter is having urgent attention by Design and Experimental Department, but information is required as to when whatever modification is decided upon, can be made available not only on production but to deal with the large number of complaints which are arising on cars already delivered, some of which have been persuaded to carry on pro tem. It is noted that there were four cases last quarter, and that 39 have been dealt with between July 1st and the first week of September at N alone, five of these being recurrent cases. A protest has been received from our Dundee Agents to the effect that the last three 25 h.p. cars delivered by them to their customers, have all had to be returned to W. for this complaint immediately. These Agents express their alarm at this matter having become common knowledge in Dundee. Slipping Clutches. The position in respect of this trouble is not yet satisfactory. The last sentence in the remarks column on the last quarterly complaint list is concurred in; namely that the matter should have the further consideration of the Experimental Department. Can W. give any reassuring information as to the progress being made in view of the pressure surration job not having proved a complete cure. Servo trouble and Brake inefficiency. In connection with servo troubles such as jag ering and grabbing it is also necessary to include the brake inefficiency cases due to servo which figure on the quarterly return. Taking these together there were 153 cases last quarter. It is considered that the servo is too susceptible to trouble, grease, moisture and even fumes affect it, and the R.A.D. 13 Fabric cannot be said to have got over troubles as anticipated. F.O.C. attention which nearly always takes the form of relining, is being done even immediately after final test and quite often after a few hundred miles only. Sticking Air Valves. A good deal of trouble is being experienced with air valves, apparently too closely fitting on new cars. Many cases are being dealt with by Inspecting Engineers and do not in consequence, reach the Repair Department. Information is required as to whether a better job can not be made of these valves before delivery and as to whether aluminium with its characteristic considerable expansion under heat, is the best material. | ||